Ignition-switch



W. KAISLING IGNITiUN SWITCH APPLICATION mm APRA, 191s Patented Nov. 1, 192],

2 SHEETSSHEET 1.

N Rm wm W. KAISLING.

IGNITION SWITCHI APPLICATION FILED MRML 1938,

1,395,679. Patented N01. 1, 1921.

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wnmmia x'axsnnm, or cnrcAoO, ILLINOIS] ASSIGNOR 'ro KELLOGG swrrcnnoann AND sorry! COMPANY, OF cmoaoo, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION or rumors.

IGNITION-SWITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 1, 1921.

Application filed April 4, 1918. Serial No. 226.622.

with switches for controlling a plurality of circuits. The present embodiment of my invention is constructed more particularly for use in connection with ignitionor light circuits for automobiles or the like. An object of my invention is the provision of a switch of the class described which embodies desirable features and advantages all in a simple, efficient, and economical manner: and to the accomplishment of this object-and such others as may hereinafter ap ear, the

invention consists in the novel detai s of corn structiou, parts, and combination of parts hereafter described, and particularly pointed out in'the appended claims.

For a better undcrstanding of my invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters in the different views denote like parts, and in which:

Figure 1 is a face view of the switch of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a right side view of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an interior face view of the mechanism with the casing and cap removed;

Fig. 5 is a left side view of Fig. 4;

Fig. (3 is a right side view of Fig. l;

Fig. 7 is ahotto-m view of Fig. 4 omitting the apparatus on the hack of the mounting plate; a

Fig. R is a view of the interior mechanism with parts removed to more clearly show the locking arrangement, the switching lever being at normal and unlocked.

Fig. 5! is a. view similar to Fig, 8 showing the locking mechanism in operated posi tion;

Fig. H1 is a sectional view along the line iii-ll] of Fig. 4;

Fig. ll is a scrtioral view of the locking d vice.

Figs. [2. I3 and 14 illustrate tin normal and two actuated positions of the switch unit; and

Fig. 15 is a partial sectional view showing the method of inserting the-contact springs into the mounting plate.

Referring now in general to my invention as illustrated, it comprises a switching unit S having a normal position A and two operating positions B and C. When the switch is in position B, a single set of spark plugs are placed in operative relation with the ignition apparatus, and when in position C two or a double set of spark plugs are placed in operative relation with the ignition apparatus. While I have described the switch in connection with a certain arrange ment, I wish it understood that I do not wish to be limited to this particular arrangement, as the switch of my invention may be adapted for many other uses without departing from the spirit of the same.

'1 have not shown my device connected up with any particular circuit arrangement, but it is. of course, apparent that it may beused in conhection with various circuit ar rangcments iind that the device may he used as a switch for controlling lighting circuits as well as for controlling ignition circuits. The particular switch shown in the drawings was arranged to be used in connection with a single and a double ignition circuit, so I have shown the arrangement ofwthe contact springs and contact maker accordingly.

I also provide a locking mechanism L which consists preferably of a standard tumbler lock which controls a sliding looking plate which is adapted to lock the switch in its normal position only. Ifthe switch is in either of its operative positions B or C, and the operator attempts to operate the lock. he is at once made aware of the fact that the switch is in one of its operative positions due to the fact that the ke can only he turned part way. The switc must be nmved to its normal or inoperative position A before the lock can be 0 e'rated to lock the switch and the key with rawn.

Referring now more in detail to my in volition as illustrnted it comprises preferably a mounting base or plate 1 made of any suitable insulating material. such as halcelite or the like. the said base being molded this insulating molding material into the desired shape. The mounting base or plate 1 is provided ivith a central open ing 2 of a size to receive the stud 3, which stui serves as a support for the switching unit 5. The middle portion of the stud has a hexagonally shaped shoulder portion 4 which sets into a hexagonally shaped ori fice 5 formed in the plate 1, to prevent the stud 3 from being rotated in the opening 2. The threaded portion 6 of the stud 3 receives a nut- T, which nut 7 when screwed in place holds the stud 3 in place in the mounting plate 1.

The switching unit S is constructed of two parts, namely. the supporting stud 8; and a cylinder 9. The cylinder 9 is prefer ably molded in the form illustrated in Figs 4 to 10, and is made of any suitable insulating material that can be properly shaped or molded, such as hakelite or the like. A conducting plate 10 is provided, and is preferably set in the cylinder 9, during the molding 0f the same, the said plate 10 having turned over portions 11 and 12 turned down at right angles to the said plate 10 to form conducting segments which coop crate with the contact springs 13. 14 and 15. The cylinder 9 is provided with a central orifice 16 of a size to just receive the supporting stud 8, which stud R is provided with an orifice l7. into which the stud 3 fits, thus rotatably supporting the unit 5 as a whole upoir the stud The cylinder 9 is forced onto the stud 8, so as to form a forced fit. A plate 18 is staked to the stud 51. and is provided With a pin 19, which pin is suitably staked to the plate l8, the

said pin lfl extending into a suitable opening 2) in the cylinder 9.

he molded in the cylinder ll over when the plate 18 is put in place and stale-d to the stud 8. An insulating Washer 21 is placed between the plate 18 and the cylinder ii to insulate the portions 11 and 12 of the plate 1!! from the plate 19, The pin l which extends into the cylinder 9 locates the said cylinder H in relation to the plate 15. and also forms a connection hetucen the said cylinder 9 and stud 8, so that when the unit 3 is moved to its several different positlolis, the cylinder 9 is rotated therewith. The plateld is operatively assoizllwl with the locking mechanism L, as will lic monfully hereinafter described. 'llusprings 13. ll and are all similar in hape and are all se ured to the mounting l liltl' 2 Hi a similar manner so that by clrsrliliing the method of securing the spring I i a further description of the others ill be lilllll'!'l1-2lf Thc spring l-l is provided with a tough: l2 which is forced into a sui able opening il in the plate l. tln' said iilhlllll: LT; being slightly slimllcl' than the tongue J21 so as to produce a forced lit. The spring 1 is provided with shoulders The pin 19 may and then riveted- 24 which rest a ainst the top surface of the plate 1 when in position, and with shoulders 25 which extend slightly beyond thebottom surface of the plate 1. The shoulders 25 are staked to hold the spring 13 in position and to prevent it from being with drawn from the plate 1. The springs 13, 14 and 15 may be formed right in the base when it is cast. The free end of the spring 13 is rounded to form a Contact portion 26 for engagement with the conducting portions 11 and 12 of the plate 10. The spring 13 normally rests in the concave portion 27 of the annular surface 28 of the cylinder 9.

To produce a snap action when the switching unit S is moved to its different positions, the surface 28 of the cylinder is corrugated or formed into concave portions 27, and the conducting segments 11 and 12 are also corrugated or provided with concave portions so that when the switching unit S is in positions A, B and C, as illustrated in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, the free ends of the springs 13, 14 and 15 rest in these concave portions 27to hold the switch S in position to prevent it from accidentally turning. Now, when the switching unit S is moved from one position to another, the contacting ends 26 of the springs 13, 14 and 15 leave the furrows 27 and ride upon the ridges 29, and due to the springs 13, 14 and 15 being under tension, when the said springs leave the ridges 29 they tend to turn the switching unit S, thus producing a snap action for the said unit S and at the same time'the springs 13, 14 and 1:; hold the said switching unit S in its new position. The springs, 13, 14 and 15 have their respective tongues 22 protruding through the rear portion of plate 1 to form connecting terminals T. A clamping memher 30 is provided for each of the springs 13, 14 and 15, and provides means for se curing electrical conductors to the said springs. A screw 31 is provided with a lock washer 32 for securely holding the electrical conductors between the said switch spring tongues 22 and the contacting surfaces of the clamping members 30.

When the switching unit S is-in its normal position A, the circuit is open at the contact springs 14 and 15, the said springs resting at this time upon insulated portions of the surface 28 of the cylinder 9,'and contact spring [3 engaging segment 11. When the switching unit S is moved to position ll. the contact spring 14 engages the segment l2 and owing to the fact that contact spring 13 is already engaging segment 11, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 12, a circuit is closed from one of these springs to the other through the plate ll). If the switching unit 9 is moved to its position then contact spring 13 remains in contact with segment scribed.

11, and contact spring 14 also remains in engagement with segment 12. but con; act spring 1:") now engages segment 11. thus connecting all three springs together through said plate 10.

A locking arrangement whereh the switch unit may be locked against movement is provided. and includes a well known tumbler lock 35. which is set into a recess 36 .formed in the plate 1, said lock bein; op-

eratively associated with a slidahle locking plate 37. The barrel 38 of the lock 35 is provided with a pair of downwardly extending lugs 39 and 40 which fit into a suitably formed recessed opening 36 which is provided with two notches 4i and 42. dis posed in the said recess 36. to receive the two downwardly extending lugs .llland 4 of the lock 35. The notches 4t and 42 are a trifle smaller than the size of the lugs 39 and 40 of the lock 35 so that the said lugs must be forced into the notches 4-1 and 4:! to insure a firm seat for. the lock 35. The switch cover also operates to retain the lock 35 in position. as will he more fully hereinafter explained. The lock 35 is provided with a pin 43 which is fastened to the cylinder 44 of the lock 35 in any suitable manner so that when the key .45 is turned the pin 43 moves with the cylinder 44.

The locking mechanism L includes a sliding lock plate 37 set in an orifice 46 of the plate 1. An oblong opening 47 is provided in the locking plate 37. through which the stud 3 extends. to permit the plate 3'? to move to the right or left as the case may be when the lock is turned to lock or unlock the switch. The oblong. opening 47 and pin limits the movement of the said plate 37. Pins 48 and 49 are set or formed in recesses 46 of the plate 1. preferably being set in the said plate 1 during the molding of the same. These pins 43 and 49 fit between the bifurcated ends 50 and 51 of the plate 37 and form guiding means for the plate 37 when said plate is moved to the right or left in locking or unlocking the switch. The plate 37 is provided with an extension 52 which has its end 53 turned up at right angles to the said plate and located so that it is in the path of the pin 43 of the cylinder 44 of the lock 35 for purposes to he more fully hereinafter de The plate 37 is provided with a lug 5; preferably formed integral-therewith. the said lug 54 being struck up from the plate 37. and coiiperatirnr with the plate 13 ol the unit S. as will be more fully pointed out in describing the operation of the locking mechanism.

in Fig". 9. l have shown the locking mechanism l and switching; unit S in their normal po-itions. and in Fig. 9 i show the locliinn' mechai'iism L operated and the swit hing unit .1 lo ked in its normal posi' .wise, direction.

tion. To lock the unit 5. the key if is turned until the pin 43 engages the upturned lug 52$ of the plate 37. The plate lTflhen moves to the left into the position shown in Fig. 9. The plate is of the unit S. which is also associated with the lockin mechanism. has a notch :35 cut in the pe riphcr of the same. as shown in Figs. 3 and 9. hen the plate ii? is moved into locking position. the lug 5+ is moved to the left into the notch :33 of the plate in. .\'o\\- should an attempt be made to move the unit H to its position 1%. the shoulder .36. formed by the notch 55 being cut in the plate 18. engages the lug 54 and prevents any movement of the switching unit 5. Assuming now that the .\\\'ll('ll unit h is in either of its positions It or t. and the operator attempt to lock the switch. the key lf) can be turned only part wa v until the pin 43 engages the lug 51% of the plate Ill.

Now an v further attempt at turning the ke v 45 is halted. due to the lug; at of the plate 37 engaging the periphery 5H ol' the plate 1H. thereby neventin the pin 43 from moving the lockin g plate 37 to the left. The key 45 cannot be withdrawn when it is in this position. and this unsuccessful attempt to turn the key 45 will indicate to the operator that the switch unit 5 is in an on position and must be restored to its position or "oil" before the switch can be locked.

In Fig. 8 I have shown the plate 18 in full lines in its normal position. and have shown it in dotted lines in its l and positions. Plate 18 is provided with an arm on formed integrally therewith. which is adapted to engage a post (51, set in the plate 1 during the molding of the same. to limit the movement of the switch unit 5 in one direction. The arm (ill is adapted to engage the lug 54 to limit the movement of the switch unit S in the other or counter-chwklVhen the plate 18 is in its normal position and the locking plate 3? has been operated to lock the switch against actuation, then the arm (30 engages the pin (51 to prevent movement of the plate 19 in a clockwise direction. and the shoulder 56 of the. plate 18 engages the. stud M of the plate 37 to limit. the movement of the plate 18 in a counter-clockwise direction.

To yieldingly hold the plate 3? in its locked or unlocked positions. I provide an arm (#2 pivoted to the plate 1 by means of the pivot pin ea. hlotches (S4 and 65 are providl d in the plate 3? in which the nose (to of the arm ()2 rests. The arm (32 is spring pressed into said notches by means of the spring 67 which has one end 68 inserted in a slot 69 in the arm (152. The free end T0 of the spring bears agaimt a suitable log 71 formed. integrally with the base plate I.

A cap 752 is provided to inclose the m chanism. and a topor name plate holder T3 is .The mounting plate 1 has an annular shoulder 74 upon which the cap 72 rests when in position. The name plate holder T8 is dished to reeeive the name plate T5. and a ferrule 76. which passes through suitable openings in the holder 73 and name plate I5. is spun over the name plate 75 and holder 73 to hold the two in alinemenls. tuds T7 nod 78 are suitably staked to the holder. end pass through suitable openings in the rap in the plate 1. The portions 80 of the studs 71'' and 79 which protrude he- \'ond the rear of the plate I are threaded to l'eeeire nuts 81. Split lock washers 82 are plared between the nut R1 and the plate 1 to lock the aid nut H1 in place when screwed down to hold the holder 73 and rap T2 rurely to the plate I. The holder 73. name plate 75. and cap 72 are provided with suit ulile openings 8.) for the lock 35. The ferrule 7 9 i of :1 size to allow the passage of the stud whit-h stud is adapted to eereive the operating lever 86. The lever 86 is held in phiee by means of the srrewfii'. \vhirh passes through a suitulrle opening in the stud T and has srrew threaded engagement with a tapped orifice in the lever 86. as shown in dotted lines in Fig. l. The operating lever is grasped by the operator to move the unit Fl to its different operative positions and bark to normal. the lever being shown in dotted lines in its operative positions l3 and in Fig. 1.

I also illustrate in Figs. 1. 5:? preferred method employed for mounting the swit 'h as a whole to the row] dash of an automobile. The mounting plate 1 is pro vided with a rirrular extension Ell) through "ooh-h the threaded end of the stud 3 pro trodes The roivl dash 91 of the automobile has :1 suitable oril'ire 952 out in iliot a size to revolve the said easing T2. A HOlIf'll 93 is rut in the periphery of the opening 92 of a size to rereive a pin 95 \vhieh is stoked to the (us in; T2. the said pin 95 rentering the switch in the opening 92 and also preventing the switrh from turuim in the said opening 92. spring rhunp 96 is provided which has a ventral opening of :2 size to receive the threaded end of the stud 3. The (lamp spans theswit eh and is of a length so that its free (Dds 99 and 9.) rest against the inner surtnre of the (owl dash M. A not 11H] is provided \vllirh has srrew threaded engagement 'ith the stud 3. and when the nut lull is S(ll"- 'l down against the rlsmp ill, th said rlemp is forred don-n against its normal tension into a rhennel llll which is rot in the extension 90 A split lock Washer I phu'ed hrtiveen the out 100 and the illir- 9G to lwi; the nut 10!) in position afiu the svvitrh SPPE 'IQCl to the rowl dash S?! The central portion of the (lamp res a *3! dug the rlarop std 3 due toihe jar n lso provided.

and 3. the

of the automobile. The edge of the holder 73 is held tightly against the face of the rowl dash due to the spring clamp 96. and the switch as a whole is serurely held in piaee in the opening 92 against rotation or he placement.

lVhile the invention has been desrribed Wl to particular reference to the details of (ionstrnetion. it is to he understood that it is not limited thereto. as many changes and modi-- li -zitions may he made therein without departing therefrom. and I. therefore. do not wish to he limited to the exact structure as shown. but aim to rover all such changes and modifications \vhirh come within the spirit and seope of the appended elaims.

What T rlaim as new and desire to set-ure hv United States Letters Patent is: i

i. A device of the (diameter described ineluding a mounting plate. a pin secured to sai/d plate. a rontnet maker provided with an orih're adopted to rereive said pin. there by rotatalily supporting said contort maker. a ion-king member supported l) T said plate for looking said rontart maker against. movement. n. pin carried by said lot-king meiniier. a: second pin supprn'l'ed liy said mounting plate. a member secured to sold contort maker. and on integrally formed ear for said member adapted to roliperate with said pins to limit. the movement of said rontart maker.

2. A devu-e of the rharaeter llesrrihed iueluding a mounting plate. a pin seem-ed to said plate. a eontaet maker provided with an orifire adapted to receive said pin to rotatnhly support said ('ontnet maker. a lock im inernller supported by said plate For lo nlv inn said contort maker against movement. :1 pin rurried by said looking: member. :1 ,qeeond pin supported Irv said mounting plate. a memher rarried by said rontnrt maker adopt ed to roopernte with said pins to limit the movement of said contort maker. and u rover rap for holding said rontart maker in position.

3. A device of the rhararter desrrihed including :1 mounting plate. an oscillator? rontart maker supported by said plate. a slidahle lorkinp plate provided with an up turned portion. a rireular plate ('onneeted to said (OIItUCt maker. a portion of said plate being rut away and adapted to re lv the upturned portion of said slidohle loeicing plate to prevent movement of aid (on-- tart maker in one direction. a pin serured t said mounting plate. and a dependent arm formed integrally with said rirrular plot:- ndopted to engage said pin to prevent movement of said rontnrt maker in the other di reotion.

4. A devire of the ('lmrurter desrrilied ineluding :1 mounting plate. an osrillatorv memher supported by said plate and (:Irrv ing a movable rontaet. a plate attarhrd to said oscillatory member, a slidable locking plate provided with a locking element, a portion of the plate secured to said oscillatory member being cut away to receive said'lock- 6 ing element to prevent movement of said 10 member from being move omillatory member in one direction, and a pin secured to said mountin plate cooperating with the late attache to said oscillatory member .or preventin said oscillatory in the opposite direction when the locking plate is in its "operative position to lock the oscillatory member against actuation.

5. A device of the character described ineluding a mounting plate, a pin secured to said mounting plate and portion. a stu said mounting plate, an oscillatory member rotatably supported by said in, a slidable locking element provided with bifurcated end portions. a pair of pins supported by projecting into the bifurcated end portions 0 said slidable locking plate to guide the movement of the same, a circular plate secured to said oscillatory member and rovided with a protruding d formed integrally with said slidable lockin plate, and a limiting pin securedto said mounting plate, said stud and said last pin coiiperating with the protruding portion of said circular plate to limit the movement of said oscillatory memher.

6. A device of the character described including a mounting plate, a pin secured to said mounting plate, an oscillatory member rotatably supported by said pin and having a normal and an off-normal position, a slidable locking plate lying between said mounting plate and said oscillatory member, a lockingelement carried by said locking plate, a

circular plate carried by said oscillatory member, a portion of said circular plate being cut away to receive said locking element only when said oscillatory member is in normal position, a stud secured to said mounting plate, and an extension for said circular plate adapted to codperate with said stud and said locking element to limit the movement of said oscillatory member when the locking plate is in its unlocked position.

7. A device of the character described including a mounting plate, an oscillatory member rotatably supported by said mounting plate and having a normal and an ofi-normal position. a slidable locking plate suitably supported by said mounting plate and provided with an upturned locking element, a circular plate secured to said oscillatory member, a portion of said circular plate being cut away to receive said locking element when said oscillatory member is in its normal position to lock the same against actuation, said circular plate reventing said slidable locking plate from being actuated when said oscillatory member is in its oil-normal position.

8. A device of the character described including a mounting plate, an oscillatory member rotatably supported by said mountmg plate and having a normal and an oil-normal position, a slidable locking plate suitably supported by said mounting plate and provided with an upturned locking element. a circular plate secured to said oscillatory member, a portion of said circular plate belng cut away to receive said locking element when said oscillatory member is in its normal position to lock the same against actuation, said circular plate reventing said slidable locking plate from ing actuated when said oscillatory member is in' its elf-normal position, thereby warning the operator of the lock that said oscillatory member is in its off-normal osition.

9. A device of the character described including a mounting plate, a pin secured to said mounting plate, an oscillatory member rotatably supported by said pin and having a normal and an off-normal position, a slidable locking plate lying between said mount ing plate and said oscillatory member, a locking element carried by said locking plate, a circular plate carried by said oscilatory member, a portion of said circular plate being cut away to receive said locking element only when said oscillatory member is in normal position, aid locking element and circular late coiiperating when the oscillatory mem er is in its cit-normal position to prevent the locking of said oscillatory member, said circular plate and locking element adapted to prevent rotation of saidoscilla- -preventing movement of said oscillatory member, a slidable locking plate provided with a locking element, a circular plate at tached to said oscillatory member, a portion of said plate being cut away to receive the locking element of said slidable locking plate tolock said contact maker in position against actuation in one direction, and other means for preventing actuation of said oscillatory member and said circular plate in the other direction.

Signed by me at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, this 2nd day of April, 1918.

' WILLIAM KAISLING. 

